Discover Le Merlerault

Le Merlerault brings together historic churches and several routes for different activities. A stay here can therefore be shaped around religious history, walking, cycling or horse riding. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, first consider whether cultural history or a particular activity will be the deciding factor.

Churches and local history

The Church of Saint-Martin dates from the 15th century. It houses the high altar, altarpiece and tabernacle ensemble, which is listed as a historic object, as well as an 18th-century statue of John the Baptist, also listed as a historic object. An altarpiece is an ornamental structure behind an altar; here, together with the high altar and tabernacle, it forms a protected ensemble.

At Champ Saint Nicolas, a marker commemorates the former collegiate church of Saint-Nicolas. Guillaume du Merle had it founded at the end of the 11th century to house a relic of Saint Nicholas of Myra. At Saint-Martin, the church and its furnishings are the focus; at Champ Saint Nicolas, the focus is the memory of the former collegiate church and its founding.

The remains of the Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens are in Montmarcé. They date from the 12th century; the west portal dates from the 15th century, and the bell tower has been destroyed. This is specifically about remains and a surviving portal, not a complete church building. Together with Saint-Martin and the commemoration at Champ Saint Nicolas, this gives a picture of different historical states of religious buildings.

Walking, horse riding and cycling

The La Chambre walking trail starts beside the church tower in Le Merlerault, at 12 Place de l'Église. The Clairefeuille walking trail also starts beside the church tower, to its right. These starting-point details make the two walking trails easy to distinguish. Check the conditions for La Chambre before setting out.

The Circuit de Montmarcé loop starts in Le Merlerault and is intended for walkers; it can also be used by mountain bike or on horseback. Check the route conditions before setting out. Another option for horse riding is the Balade à cheval – La Boucle du Merlerault riding loop, which starts at the church car park. This lets you distinguish between a loop for several types of use and a route specifically designated as a riding loop.

For cycling, A vélo – Au pays du cheval is another option. The tour starts in Le Merlerault and covers 58 km. This distance gives you a specific figure to use when planning your day and stages. When choosing, you can also consider whether you would prefer a cycle tour with a clearly stated distance or one of the routes focused on walking and horse riding.

More traces of the past

Local history also includes Le Merlerault’s pastures, including the well-known Razibus. They have been renowned for centuries. Another thread of local history is the Le Merlerault chicken breed: its standard was established at the beginning of the 20th century, and its name comes from the town and the Lords of Le Merle, mentioned since the 11th century. These topics complement the churches with a history that is not tied solely to buildings.

Discover more destinations: Mardilly, Valframbert, Saint-Denis-Sur-Huisne, Vieux-Pont, Bellou-En-Houlme, Ménil-Hermei, Dancé, Vimoutiers

For the broader travel overview: Orne.